Writers’ Trust Presents LGBT Literary Award to Vancouver Playwright

Dayne Ogilive Prize Announced During Toronto Pride Week

Toronto, ON – June 26, 2013 – The Writers’ Trust of Canada announced this evening that C.E. Gatchalian has won the 7th annual Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBT Emerging Writers. Two additional honours of distinction were given to Anand Mahadevan and Barry Webster.

The $4,000 prize is given annually to an emerging gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender writer who demonstrates great literary promise through their published work. The winner was announced at an event hosted by activist and NOW magazine editor Susan G. Cole at the NOW Lounge in Toronto.

C. E. Gatchalian writes drama, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. His plays, which include Broken, Crossing, Claire, and Motifs & Repetitions, have appeared on stages nationally and internationally, as well as on radio and television. His latest play, Falling in Time, was a 2013 finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBT Drama. He has been playwright-in-residence at the Vancouver Playhouse and writer-inresidence at Berton House Writers' Retreat in Dawson City, Yukon. Based in Vancouver, he is currently artistic producer of the Frank Theatre Company.

"C.E. Gatchalian’s multifarious voice has emerged in many places. As a playwright, poet, cultural curator, and mentor, Gatchalian is reaching ever-growing audiences across Canada, not only broadening the creative dialogue on queer identity, but also championing intricate portraits of race, survivorship, and sexuality. Being both candid and complex requires assiduity on the part of the author. His newest play, Falling in Time, is an unflinching look at war, masculinity, migration, intimacy, and love."

In recognition of their achievement, Anand Mahadevan and Barry Webster each received $250.

Anand Mahadevan is a Toronto-based writer educated in India, Canada, the United States, and Germany. Mahadevan was recently a Canada-U.S. Fulbright Fellow at Boston University’s acclaimed creative writing program. His novel, The Strike, was released by TSAR Publications in 2006. He has completed a manuscript for a second novel and is at work on a third.

Barry Webster is a classically trained pianist, writer, and translator. His recent novel The Lava in My Bones was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award and the Ferro-Grumley Award. His first book, The Sound of All Flesh, won a ReLit Award in 2005. His fiction has also been shortlisted for a National Magazine Award and the Hugh MacLennan Prize. He lives in Montreal.

“The Dayne Ogilvie Prize provides recognition to emerging writers at a pivotal moment in their careers,” said Mary Osborne, executive director of the Writers’ Trust. “Not only do writers receive a tremendous psychological boost, but the award establishes them in the eyes of the publishing industry as being writers to watch.”

About the Prize

Established in 2007 and funded by an endowment established by artist Robin Pacific, the Dayne Ogilvie Prize annually rewards emerging writers whose body of work demonstrates great potential. Canadian writers who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and who have published at least one book are eligible. Although the grant has no age restriction, it is intended to reward developing writers. Past winners include Michael V. Smith, Zoe Whittall, and Amber Dawn.

About Dayne Ogilvie

Dayne Ogilvie was a highly respected freelance book editor, writer, and literary manager. A passionate lover of all the arts, he was the managing editor of Xtra magazine for several years.

About the Writers’ Trust

The Writers’ Trust of Canada is a charitable organization that seeks to advance, nurture, and celebrate Canadian writers and writing through a portfolio of programs, including literary awards, financial grants, scholarships, and a writers’ retreat. Writers’ Trust programming is designed to champion excellence in Canadian writing, to improve the status of writers, and to create connections between writers and readers. Canada’s writers receive more financial support from the Writers’ Trust than from any other non-governmental organization or foundation in the country.